On behalf of Mayor Domenic J. Sarno Chief of Staff Bill Baker joined with Veterans’ Services Director Joe DeCaro, Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, city and state officials, and members of the Springfield Veterans’ Activities Committee, including Chairman Bill Walls, along with this year’s 2024 Veterans Day Parade Marshal Mr. Matthew Ferri, and 2024 Veteran of the Year Mrs. Toni Hendrix to commemorate Veterans Day with the city’s annual Veterans Day parade and wreath laying ceremony at the Veterans’ Monuments on Monday, November 11, 2024.
Springfield’s annual Veterans Day parade kicked-off from the campus of Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) on Veterans Day morning at 11:00 a.m. and traveled down State Street to City Hall for a special wreath laying ceremony at the Veterans’ Monuments.
Mayor Sarno issued a proclamation on behalf of the City of Springfield to formally recognize Veterans Day. Chief of Staff Bill Baker presented it on Mayor Sarno’s behalf. Governor Maura Healey also issued a Veterans Day proclamation on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which was read by State Senator Adam Gomez. State Representatives Bud Williams and Orlando Ramos, City Councilors Lavar Click-Bruce and Jose Delgado, a representative for State Representative Carlos Gonzalez, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, Springfield Police and Fire Departments, community organizations and businesses, members from the local high schools JROTC and many residents and supporters also turned out to honor and thank our veterans.
Mayor Sarno states, “The City of Springfield has a long and proud tradition of acknowledging and honoring our Veterans and I believe it is important to continue to honor our Veterans who have honorably served our great Nation. I want to thank our HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, our Director of Veterans’ Services Joe DeCaro and team, as well as Veterans Activities Committee Chairman Bill Walls, and all of the members of our Veterans Activities Committee for their efforts on making this event possible. We had a great parade and a wonderful turn out for the ceremony on the front steps of City Hall. I want to thank those who came out to cheer on and support our Veterans. Your continued support of our beloved Veterans is truly appreciated. Again, congratulations and thank you to our Springfield 2024 Veteran of the Year Mrs. Toni Hendrix and 2024 Parade Marshal Mr. Matthew Ferri. America is still the greatest Nation on Earth. We are the beacon of democracy, strength and opportunity, thanks to the sacrifices and dedication of our proud Veterans and their families. God Bless the United States of America and God Bless our Veterans.”
